Chemical attractants for moths

ABSTRACT

Compositions and lures are described which provide synthetic chemical attractants which function as highly effective attractants for male and female moths, primarily moths of the family Noctuidae. In one aspect, the attractants provide an effective attractant amount of vapor of 3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-pentanol or mixtures thereof. In another aspect, the attractants provide vapor blends of acetic acid and one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of 3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-2-butanol, and 3-methyl-1-pentanol. By attracting male and female moths to traps or baits, the chemical attractants provide a means for detecting, surveying, monitoring, and controlling the moths.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to synthetic chemical insectattractants. More particularly, the invention relates to chemicalattractants and use thereof to detect, survey, monitor, and/or controlmoths (Lepidoptera).

[0003] 2. Description of the Art

[0004] Many species of moths (Lepidoptera) are pestiferous. Larvae orcaterpillars of a number of species of moths are serious pests ofagricultural crops throughout the world. In the family Noctuidae, inparticular, are many species of cutworms, armyworms, fruitworms, andothers that cause severe losses of vegetable and fruit, as well asforage, and fiber crops and necessitate the use of large amounts ofpesticides to reduce these losses. Three important species in westernNorth America are the bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata), thespotted cutworm (Xestia c-nigrum), and Lacanobia subjuncta. These arepests of many vegetable and forage crops, and Lacanobia subjuncta hasrecently been identified as a serious pest of apple.

[0005] Efforts to control pest moth populations on agricultural cropshave relied heavily on broadcast applications of pesticides which areunder increasing regulatory pressure. Chemical attractants are widelyused to monitor the emergence patterns and distributions of moths oncrops. These are exclusively sex pheromones attractive solely to males.They are of limited use in pest control because of the lack of effect onfemales and because they are not effective as attractants when the samesex pheromones are used for mating disruption by air permeation. Thedevelopment of chemical attractants for monitoring pest levels andeconomic injury levels of pest moths on crops has been hampered by alack of effective lures for females of these species. Similarly, thedevelopment of control technologies involving mass trapping of moths orpoison baits would be greatly facilitated by the availability ofeffective lures for females of pest species.

[0006] Numerous species of Lepidoptera, including pest species of moths,are attracted to fermented sweet baits. Fermented sweet baits have longbeen used by collectors of moths and butterflies (W. J. Holland, TheMoth Book. A Guide to the Moths of North America, Dover Publishing,Inc., New York, N.Y., 1903, 479 pages; T. D. Sargent, Legion of Night.The Underwing Moths, Massachusetts Press, Amherst, Mass., 1976, 22pages). Lepidoptera and other insects are attracted to natural sourcesof sugars such as fruits, tree sap, insect honeydew, and plant nectars(M. J. Norris, Trans. Royl. Entomol. Soc. London 85:61-90 (1935)). It isgenerally considered that such materials must be fermented by microbesto become attractive, possibly due to the generation of specificodorants by colonizing bacteria and fungi (Norris, supra; P. J. Landolt,Florida Entomologist 78:523-530 (1995)). Attraction of pestiferousspecies of Lepidoptera to such materials has been documented forpossible use in pest control, and include several species of Noctuidae(cutworm and armyworm family). These are the corn earworm (L. P. Ditmanand E. M. Cory, Journal of Economic Entomology 26:109-115 (1933)), grassloopers (Landolt, 1995, supra), and the tobacco budworm (P. J. Landoltand E. R. Mitchell, Florida Entomologist 80:403-407 (1997)). Largenumbers of noctuids were captured in traps baited with solutions ofmolasses or syrups by W. W. Frost (Journal of Economic Entomology21:339-348 (1928)) who did not identify them to species. Isolation andidentification of the odorants from fermented sweet baits that areattractive to moths would provide a useful attractant for use inmonitoring and controlling pest species of Lepidoptera on agriculturalcrops.

[0007] Although numerous synthetic chemical attractants are known formoths, none are based on moth attraction to fermented sweet baits andvery few are effective in attracting females. Most synthetic chemicalattractants for moths are female-produced sex pheromones attractive tomales (M. S. Mayer and J. R. McLaughlin, Handbook of Insect Pheromonesand Sex Attractants, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla., 1991, 1083 pages).Several chemicals have also been identified from floral volatiles thatare attractive to both sexes of some moth species (primarily Plusiinae)that obtain nectars from certain flowers. These are phenylacetaldehyde,benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, 2-phenylethanol, and benzyl alcohol (W. W.Cantelo and M. Jacobson, Environmental Entomology 8:444-447 (1979), K.F. Haynes et al., Journal of Chemical Ecology 17:637-646 (1991), R. R.Heath et al., Environmental Entomology 21:854-859 (1992), C. E. Smith etal., Journal of Economic Entomology 36:619-621 (1943), M. Jacobson etal. Experientia 32:964-966 (1976)).

[0008] The bertha armyworm, Mamestra configurata, is a pest of numerouscrops, including alfalfa, flax, and canola (P. G. Mason et al., Can.Entomol. 130:321-336 (1998)). It is broadly distributed in NorthAmerica. The spotted cutworm Xestia c-nigrum also is a pest of numerouscrops, primarily vegetable crops (J. F. Howell, Environmental Entomology8:1065-1069 (1979)) and is widely distributed in North America.Lacanobia subjuncta is a recent and serious pest of apple in the PacificNorthwest (P. J. Landolt, Pan-Pacific Entolomol. 74:32-38 (1998)) and isfound across the temperate zone of North America. Numerous other speciesof noctuid moths are pests of nearly all agricultural crops throughoutthe world.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is directed to chemical attractants formale and female moths. In one aspect, the invention is directed toattracting noctuid moths using an effective attractant amount of vaporsof 3-methyl-1-butanol or 3-methyl-1-pentanol or mixtures thereof as ameans for detecting, surveying, monitoring, and controlling moths.

[0010] In another aspect, the invention is directed to attractingnoctuid moths using an attractant chemical combination to provide aneffective attractant amount of vapor blends or vapor mixtures of (I)acetic acid and (II) one or more compounds selected from the groupconsisting of 3-methyl-1-butanol (isoamyl alcohol), 3-methyl-2-butanol,and 3-methyl-1-pentanol. The volatilized blends or mixtures function ashighly effective attractants for noctuid moths, and provide a means ofdetecting, surveying, monitoring, and controlling pest species of moths.

[0011] In one embodiment, the volatilized blend of the attractantcombination is provided by a mixture of I and II. In another embodiment,the vapor blend is provided by a combination of I and II wherein I andII are positioned in sufficient proximity to one another to form avolatilized blend. In still a further embodiment, the vapor blend isprovided by a single chemical, e.g., 3-methylbutyl acetate whichreleases a vapor blend of acetic acid and 3-methyl-1-butanol into theatmosphere.

[0012] The attractants of the invention yield specific attractants fornoctuid moths, and provides a means for detecting, surveying,monitoring, and controlling these pests.

[0013] The attractants of the invention are the first known chemicalattractants that are broadly attractive for female noctuid moths. Thus,the chemical attractants of the invention provide the first means ofmonitoring females of pest moth species, for the purpose of optimizingthe timing of control procedures and for assessing population densities.The attractants are also useful in devising control strategies for pestmoths through the combination of attractants with toxicants to killfemale moths. Because the invention results in the trapping or death offemale moths, it directly removes reproductive potential from the field,effectively reducing potential populations of pest moths and savingcrops from damage.

[0014] Exemplary of noctuid moth species are Mamestra configurata,Xestia c-nigrum, and Lacanobia subjuncta, which are found throughoutmuch of North America.

[0015] Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the mothorientation to sweet food materials is the bases for their response tothe attractants of the invention, thus foraging moths are likely to belured by the attractants of the invention. In use, an effectiveattractant amount of the attractants of the invention is provided in anarea where moths are to be attracted, that is, an area frequented bynoctuid moths of interest; an area where noctuid moths may forage forfood or otherwise occur; or selected areas where detecting, surveying,monitoring, and/or controlling of these pests is desired. Conveniently,3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-pentanol or mixtures thereof or I and IIare dispensed within a trapping means to attract and trap the moths.

[0016] The chemical attractants of the invention are superior tonon-chemical baits, e.g., molasses, jaggery, jams, sugar solutions, andfruit purees, because they provide a predictable, stable, and longlasting source of attractiveness.

[0017] The invention is also directed to lures wherein3-methyl-1-butanol or 3-methyl-1-pentanol or mixtures thereof are in adispenser means which releases the chemical or mixture as a vapor.Additionally, the invention is directed to lures wherein the attractantcombination of I and II are held in a dispenser means which releases Iand II so as to form the attractant vapor blend.

[0018] The invention is also directed to trapping systems for trappingnoctuid moths. Such systems include trapping means, and an effectiveattractant amount of the attractant compounds, mixtures or combinationof the invention. A preferred trap for the attractant combination of theinvention is one which has a chamber wherein vapors of I and II form ablend such that the vapor blend of I and II exits the trap chamber andattracts moths to the chamber where they are trapped.

[0019] The invention is also directed to a packaged attractant and kitfor attracting noctuid moths which include the compounds, mixtures orcombination of components I and II.

[0020] Many species of noctuid moths are key pests of agricultural cropsand cause losses of vegetable, fruit, forage, and fiber crops throughdirect consumption by larvae and by reduction in food quality. Theattractants of the invention are useful to remove such moths in areaswhere they are reproducing and causing damage to crops and commodities.The chemical attractants of the invention provide a means of reducingpopulations of pestiferous species over defined areas by mass trappingand alleviate threats of losses to agricultural crops. Further, whenused in combination with a control agent for the moths, such as adrowning solution, a pesticide or biological control agent, thecomposition can be used as a direct control agent.

[0021] The attractants of the invention can also be used as a poisonedbait by combining them with feeding stimulants and toxicants that themoths ingests, effectively killing or sterilizing them.

[0022] In sum, the novel chemical attractants of the invention provide atool for the detection of noctuid moth species and provide a means forpopulation control and population density estimation of these pests. Thelures and trapping systems which include the attractants of theinvention are useful for farmers and growers, orchardists, homeownersand gardeners, and other users where control of pest noctuid moths isdesired.

[0023] The utility and effectiveness of the invention in attractingnoctuid moths suggests the following applications: (1) the detection ofpopulations, (2) the detection of population outbreaks or rapidpopulation buildups, (3) the monitoring of populations, (4) the controlof problem populations in discrete areas. In certain geographic areasthere is a need to detect the presence of certain species of pest mothsas they move into new areas, so that these populations may be destroyedor controlled. Many species of armyworms and cutworms are prone tointermittent population outbreaks in some geographic areas, causingsevere losses to agricultural crops. Such outbreaks can be detected byprograms to attract and trap moths, thereby gaining information onchanges in moth numbers. It is expected that a means of sampling femalesof a species, rather than males, will provide more valuable informationmore closely related to pest activity and reproduction at a site. Theattractants of the invention are also useful as a bait for traps used tomonitor changes in population level. For example, efficacy of controlprocedures such as pesticide or microbial applications, may be measuredwith attractant traps that indicate population levels. Again, it isexpected that a means of sampling females rather than exclusively maleswill provide more useful information in relation to the population of apest at a discrete site. The attractants are also useful to control mothpopulations and activities where they are a problem through a variety ofapproaches, including localized trapping out of moths, and the use ofthe attractant in a poison bait formulation to kill attracted moths.

[0024] In accordance with this discovery, it is an object of theinvention to provide chemical attractants for male and female moths,particularly noctuid moths.

[0025] Another object of the invention is the provision of theattractants as detection, surveying, monitoring, or control agents formoths.

[0026] A further object of the invention is the provision of theattractants of the invention for use with control agents, includingdrowning solutions, insecticides, biological control agents, or othertoxicants, to attract and combat these pests.

[0027] Another object of the invention is the provision of effectivemethods of monitoring or controlling pest moths using the chemicalattractants of the invention.

[0028] A further object of the invention is the provision of trappingsystems for trapping pest moths which include trapping means and aneffective attractant amount of the attractant combination of theinvention.

[0029] A still further object of the invention is the provision of kitswhich include the compounds, mixtures or combination of componentsrequired to produce the attractants of the invention.

[0030] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become readilyapparent from the ensuing description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031]FIG. 1 shows the mean numbers of Lacanobia subjuncta (FIG. 1A),Mamestra configurata (FIG. 1B), and Xestia c-nigrum (FIG. 1C) mothscaptured in traps baited either with acetic acid alone (AA), with thecombination of acetic acid and 3-methyl-1-butanol (AA+MB) or withfermented 10% molasses solution (MOL.).

[0032]FIG. 2 shows the mean numbers of Lacanobia subjuncta (LS) andbertha armyworm moths (BAW) captured in traps baited with one ml of3-methyl-1-butanol and different concentrations of acetic acid in thetrap's drowning solution.

[0033]FIG. 3 shows the mean numbers of Lacanobia subjuncta (LS) andbertha armyworm moths (BAW) captured in traps baited with 0.25% aceticacid in the drowning solution and with varying amounts of3-methyl-1-butanol mixed with mineral oil in a polyethylene cap.

[0034]FIG. 4 shows the mean numbers of Lacanobia subjuncta, berthaarmyworm moths (M. configurata), and spotted cutworm moths (X. c-nigrum)captured in unbaited traps (blank) or in traps baited with 0.25% aceticacid (AA) in the drowning solution, with one ml of 3-methyl-1-butanol(MB) or one ml of 3-methyl-1-pentanol (MP) or combinations of aceticacid and the alcohols (AAMB and AAMP).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] This invention comprises specific attractants for male and femalemoths of the family Noctuidae, and provides a means for detecting,surveying, monitoring, and controlling these moths. In particular, theattractants of the invention find particular use for detecting,surveying, monitoring, and controlling pestiferous noctuid species. Inone aspect of the invention, the synthetic attractant composition of theinvention comprises 3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-pentanol or mixturesthereof, in an effective attractant amount. Attracted moths respond tothe vapor of the individual compounds or mixtures in air and they moveupwind towards the attractant source. An effective amount of anattractant vapor is defined as that quantity of the compound orcompounds that attracts moths to the location of the compound orcompounds at a rate higher than moths are attracted to a location devoidof the attractant. An effective attractant amount is determined as thequantity of the compound or compounds emitted from a formulation ordispenser holding the attractant compound or compounds that issufficient to elicit an attraction response from moths downwind of theattractant.

[0036] In another aspect of the invention, the composition of theinvention is an attractant chemical combination which comprises a vaporblend or vapor mixture of vapor of (I) acetic acid and vapor of (II) oneor more compounds selected from the group consisting of3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-2-butanol, and 3-methyl-1-pentanol, in aneffective attractant amount.

[0037] Attracted moths respond to the combination of odorants from I andII present simultaneously in air and they move upwind towards the sourceof the blend. An effective amount of an attractant vapor blend of I andII is defined as that quantity of the chemical blend that attracts mothsto the location of the blend at a rate higher than moths are attractedto a location devoid of the blend. An effective attractant amount isdetermined as the quantities of the compounds emitted from a formulationor dispenser holding the compounds that is sufficient to elicit anattraction response from moths downwind of the attractant vapor blend ormixture.

[0038] The attractant vapor composition of the combination may beprovided by (a) a mixture of I and II; (b) a combination of I and IIwherein I and II are positioned in sufficient proximity to each othereffective to form a volatilized blend of I and II; or (c) a singlecompound, e.g., 3-methylbutyl acetate which dissociates into a vaporblend of I and II, e.g., a vapor blend of acetic acid and3-methyl-1-butanol. In all cases, whether I and II are formulated orpresented separately or together, I and II are provided so as to providean effective attractant amount of the odor blend of I and II.

[0039] All of the compounds for producing the vapor composition of theinvention are commercially available. Acetic acid vapor is provided bycompounds that produce volatilized acetic acid, for example, aqueousacetic acid, glacial (concentrated) acetic acid or ammonium acetate.Component II vapor is provided by compounds 3-methyl-1-butanol,3-methyl-2-butanol, and 3-methyl-1-pentanol. A vapor blend of aceticacid and isobutanol may be also provided by 3-methylbutyl acetate whichdissociates to form a volatilized blend of acetic acid and3-methyl-1-butanol. All of the foregoing compounds are liquid over therange of temperature at which moths actively forage in nature, which isabout 5 to 30° C., with most activity of concern occurring from about 10to 25° C.

[0040] Lures. It is envisioned that the chemical attractants of theinvention would be useful in detecting, surveying, monitoring, orcontrolling noctuid moth populations when used as a lure. A lureincludes a dispenser means which contains a chemical or chemicals whichprovide the attractant. For purposes of this invention, a dispensermeans is defined as any means which both (a) contains or holds theunvolatilized compound or compounds used to produce the vapor of theattractant and (a) releases the compound or compounds in the vaporphase.

[0041] A dispensing means may take several forms. For example, it may beas simple as a fencepost or tree, wherein a formulation to produce thevolatilized compounds, mixture or volatilized I and II is painted,sprayed, or otherwise applied to the fencepost or tree, for release intothe ambient area. Other dispensing means include an adsorbent materialsuch as cotton or paper which both holds and releases I or II. Ingeneral, however, a dispensing means will comprise a reservoir forholding an amount of a compound either within a space or a polymericmatrix, with the release into the atmosphere controlled by a permeablewall or membrane or by a small opening surrounded by an impermeable wallor membrane. Examples of dispensers include a reservoir and polyethylenecap within a trap as described the Example, below. Further examples ofdispensers include polymer caps, bubbles, hollow fibers, hollow tubes ortubing which release compounds through the walls, capillary tubing whichrelease compounds out of an opening in the tubing, polymeric blocks ofdifferent shapes which release compounds out of the polymer matrix,membrane systems which hold the chemicals within an impermeablecontainer and release them through a measured permeable membrane, andcombinations of the foregoing. Examples of other dispensing means arepolymer laminates, polyvinyl chloride pellets, microcapillaries, andShunitzu rope. Another dispensing means includes usingmicroencapsulation techniques to encapsulate each compound used toproduce the vaporized compound, mixture or vapor blend.

[0042] In one aspect, 3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-pentanol ormixtures thereof are placed in a dispensing means.

[0043] In another aspect, the attractant combination of I and II areformulated in a dispensing means. In one embodiment, I and II areformulated as a mixture and placed in the dispensing means. In anotherembodiment, the compound that produces acetic acid vapor is provided ina first dispenser and the compound or compounds that produce vapor ofcomponent II is placed in a second dispenser, and the two dispensers areplaced in sufficient proximity to one another to form a volatilizedblend of I and II in the surrounding atmosphere. The first and seconddispensers may optionally be attached or fused to form one device orunit that releases I and II to form the vapor blend. Alternatively, Iand II may be formulated separately, for example, placing acetic acid ina drowning solution and placing a compound of group II in a polyethylenecap as described in the Example, below. In still another embodiment, thevapor blend of I and II is provided by 3-methylbutyl acetate whichreleases acetic acid and 3-methyl-1-butanol vapors as a blend.

[0044] Effective odorant amounts (acetic acid, 3-methyl-1-butanol,3-methyl-2-butanol, or 3-methyl-1-pentanol released individually as avapor into air) are most readily defined as weight amounts released perunit time from a formulation, dispenser, bait or trap. The broad rangeof release rates is that which is an effective attractant for the targetmoth. An effective release rate range for acetic acid is at least about10 μg per hour. A preferred release rate range of acetic acid is fromabout 50 μg per hour to 1000 μg per hour. An effective release range for3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-2-butanol, or 3-methyl-1-pentanol is atleast about 50 μg per hour. A preferred release rate range is about isabout 50 μg per hour to 2000 μg per hour.

[0045] Controlled release of the compounds may also be effected in partthrough the addition of an extender such as mineral oil, which willreduce the rate of volatilization of the odorants out of the dispenser.

[0046] Factors such as moth species present, moth population density,and environmental factors influencing moth foraging behavior (e.g.,temperature, wind velocity, rain, time of day and seasonality) willinfluence the response of moths to the attractants of the invention andthe actual number of moths attracted. The amounts of compound orcompounds in a particular set of circumstances that will provide releaserates within an effective range can be readily determined by doseresponse field tests as described in the Example, below.

[0047] The lures may be combined with feeding stimulants to providebaits for moths, particularly pestiferous noctuid species. Toxicants mayalso be added to provide poisoned baits, as discussed in detail below.Other compounds and materials may be added to a formulation, lure, baitor trap provided they do not substantially interfere with theattractancy of the attractant vapor composition of the invention.Whether or not an additive substantially interferes with the attractantactivity can be determined by standard test formats, involving directcomparisons of efficacy of the attractant without an added compound andthe attractant with an added compound. Reductions in attractancy, suchas reduced captures of moths in traps baited with the attractant withthe additive, may be determined with standard statistical analyses.

[0048] Trapping Systems. The attractants of the invention may be used asdetecting agents, surveying agents, monitoring agents, or control agentsfor the moths. Conveniently, the attractants are dispensed within atrapping means to attract and trap moths. A trapping system formonitoring or controlling moths includes a trapping means, and adispenser means located within the trapping means which provides aneffective attractant amount (a) of vaporized 3-methyl-1-butanol,3-methyl-1-pentanol or mixtures thereof, or (b) of a vapor blend ofvapor of (I) acetic acid and vapor of (II) one or more compoundsselected from the group consisting of 3-methyl-1-butanol,3-methyl-2-butanol, and 3-methyl-1-pentanol. A trapping means is anydevice for catching insects, particularly, noctuid moths. These includefor example, the Trappit dome trap by Agrisense, LIQUIDATOR Trap byPhero Tech Inc., Yellow Jacket Wasp Trap by Oak Stump Farm (U.S. Pat.No. 4,794,724), the Pherocon trap by Zoecon, Inc., and the Universalmoth trap or UNITRAP.

[0049] A preferred trap for the combination attractant of the inventionis one which has a mixing chamber wherein vapors of I and II form ablend and the vapor blend of I and II exits the trap chamber andattracts moths to the chamber where they are trapped. Compounds I and IIthat produce the attractant vapor blend may be presented as a mixture orin separate dispensers within the trap. Acetic acid and a compound of IImay be added directly to a drowning solution that can be used in a trap,with the attractant blend emanating from the drowning solution. Thisdrowning solution may optionally contain additional materials that aidin the capture and killing of attracted moths, such as detergents orwetting agents, clays, dyes and toxicant, as long as such additives donot substantially interfere with the attractiveness of the attractantblend of the invention.

[0050] For dry traps, in which attracted moths are killed by toxicant orinsolation, other formulation methods may be used as known in the art.

[0051] Means for Controlling Moths. The attractants of the invention areuseful for control of noctuid moths when used in concert with means forcontrolling moths. Control of moths may be carried out as known in theart, including (a) by capturing the moths in traps, (b) by capturingmoths in a trap and killing the moths, for example, by means of adrowning solution or pesticide for moths, or (c) by use of toxicants,pesticides or chemosterilants, (d) by use of poisoned bait, e.g., thecombination of a feeding stimulant and toxicant, or (e) by use ofpathogens, for example, by bringing the attracted moths into contactwith pathogens or by incorporating pathogens.

[0052] Insecticides or toxicants for moths include compounds such asmethomyl, dimethyl (2,2,2-trichloro-1-hydroxyethyl) phosphonate,2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate, and 1,2-dibromo-2,2-dichloroethyldimethyl phosphate. Other toxicants are selected from the groupconsisting of organophosphorus toxicants, carbamates, inorganictoxicants, and insect growth regulators.

[0053] A toxicant may be in a powdered form, may be a vapor releasedfrom a dispenser or may be incorporated into a bait whereby the mothbecomes attracted to the toxicant and becomes contaminated or infected(in the case of pathogens) with the toxicant or ingests the toxicant.Toxicants which may be useful in this invention are those which will notadversely affect the attractiveness of the attractants of the invention.A variety of matrix materials may also be employed as a carrier for thetoxicant and the attractant.

[0054] Combination of attractant and visual target. For purposes oftrapping or baiting, visual targets may be used to focus close rangeorientation of attracted moths, either to facilitate their beingcaptured in traps or to facilitate their arrival on a bait. For example,some species of moths are optimally attracted to bright white targetsand others to small dark targets.

[0055] Kits and packaged attractants. The invention is also directed tokits. In one aspect the kit includes a trap and a lure for use withinthe trap and which provides the attractant. The kit may also include adrowning solution for some trap designs. Another kit includes at leasttwo components, wherein one component is acetic acid and anothercomponent is one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-2-butanol, and 3-methyl-1-pentanol andmeans for dispensing the compounds to provide the attractant blend ofthe invention. The components may be in a drowning solution, formulation(chemical matrix to hold and release one or more attractant chemicals),dispenser or bait as discussed above. Drowning solutions, formulations,dispensers and controlled release devices may be rechargeable with ameasured amount of I and II.

[0056] A bait kit may contain the compounds to provide the attractantcompound, combination or blend of the invention in a matrix or suitablecarrier for moths to contact and remove. The bait may also containadditives, such as feeding stimulants, toxicants, extenders,antioxidants, and/or UV adsorbers.

[0057] The invention is also directed to a packaged attractant whichcomprises at least two components, wherein one component is one thatprovides acetic acid vapor and another component is one or morecompounds selected from the group consisting of 3-methyl-1-butanol,3-methyl-2-butanol, and 3-methyl-1-pentanol, wherein the components arepackaged in separate containers and wherein the packaged attractantfurther comprises instructions for producing a volatilized blend of thetwo components when the components are released from the containers.

USES OF THE INVENTION

[0058] The chemical attractant is useful in detecting, surveying,monitoring, or controlling populations of moths, primarily in the familyNoctuidae. In the family Noctuidae, there are many species of cutworms,armyworms, fruitworms, and others that cause severe losses of vegetableand fruit, as well as forage, and fiber crops. The invention findsparticular use for detecting, surveying, monitoring, and controllingthese pestiferous species. Examples of noctuid moth species that aremajor crop pests include Lacanobia subjuncta, bertha armyworm, spottedcutworm, fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), beet armyworm(Spodoptera exigua), yellow striped armyworm (Spodoptera ornithogalli),Western yellowstriped armyworm (Spodoptera praefica), Southern armyworm(Spodoptera eridania), armyworm (Pseudaletia unipuncta), corn earworm(Helicoverpa zea), Helicoverpa armigera, Helicoverpa peltigera, tobaccobudworm (Heliothis virescens), black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon), cottonleafworm (Alabama argillacea), grass looper (Mocis latipes), velvetbeancaterpillar (Anticarsia gemmatalis), forage looper (Caenurginaerechtea), variegated cutworm (Peridromia saucia), and spiny bollworm(Earias insulana). Additional noctuid pests of crops are set forth inDestructive and Useful Insects. Their Habits and Control by C. L.Metcalf, W. P. Flint, and R. L. Metcalf, McGraw Hill Book Co., N.Y.(1962), 1087 pages.

[0059] Crops with major noctuid pest problems include cotton, corn,soybean, alfalfa, cabbage (cole crops generally), mustards (includingcanola), apple, tomato, potato, lettuce, asparagus, sugar beets,sorghum, sugar cane, and lettuce.

[0060] When used as a detection, survey, or monitoring agent, traps arebaited with the novel attractant of the invention and the catchtabulated to determine size and location of infestation. Economic use ofappropriate control agents can then be determined.

[0061] As discussed above, use of the attractants as control agents canbe carried out in several ways. The attractant may be placed within atrap which allows the insects to enter but prevents their exit. In thismanner, the foraging power of the colony is reduced thereby achievingsome degree of control over the colony. Another method is to use theattractant to attract the moths to suitable substrates and subsequentlyor simultaneously expose the insects to insecticides which control themoths. An effective amount of the insecticide, toxicant or otherbioactive chemical or material is used, that is, an amount sufficientupon contact or ingestion to kill the moth, to render it impairedsufficiently to be trapped, drowned, or insolated, or to disrupt neuralor other physiological functions to prevent essential colony functionsor reproduction. An effective amount of a pathogen or disease organismis used, that is, an amount sufficient upon contact or ingestion orcarried by the moth, to kill the moth or initiate an epizootic withinthe population. Insecticides can be used in traps baited with theattractant, thereby minimizing the dissemination of the insecticide andcontamination of foods and the environment. Chemosterilants can be usedin conjunction with the composition to attract and sterilize moths.

[0062] Another method to control the moths using the composition of theinvention is to detect the location and boundaries of localized mothpopulations, and then employ in the area biological control agents.

EXAMPLE

[0063] The following example is intended only to further illustrate theinvention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention whichis defined by the claims.

[0064] The following example describes studies assessing attractants ofthe invention for three species of Noctuidae that are pests in theYakima Valley of Washington.

[0065] Materials and Methods. The Trappit dome trap (Agrisense, Fresno,Calif.) was used in all tests. Two hundred ml of a drowning solution wasused in the reservoir of all traps. This solution was 200 ml water, 25μl of detergent, 50 μl yellow, 25 μl blue, and 60 μl red food dyes(McCormick, Hunt Valley, N.J.), and 20 mg clay. Acetic acid, whentested, was added to the drowning solution as a percent of the solution.Alcohols tested were loaded in polyethylene caps (No. 60975D-3, KimballGlass, Vineland, N.J.) that were impaled on a push pin glued to theinside of the top of the trap. Traps were serviced two or three timesper week depending on weather conditions, and the drowning solution withor without acetic acid was replaced weekly. Alcohols in polyethylenecaps were replaced monthly.

[0066] All experiments were conducted in commercial apple and pearorchards. Traps were hung from tree branches at 1.5 to 2 m above ground,with 10 m between traps within a block and 10 m between adjacent blocks.

[0067] Experiment Overview. Four trapping experiments were conducted inapple and pear orchards in the Yakima Valley during the summer of 1998.An initial experiment compared captures of pest moths in traps baitedwith the combination of acetic acid and 3-methyl-1-butanol to aceticacid alone and to fermented molasses solution. The second experiment wasa comparison of the attractiveness of the combination of acetic acid and3-methyl-1-butanol with varying percentages of acetic acid in thedrowning solution. The third experiment was a comparison of theattractiveness of the combination of acetic acid and 3-methyl-1-butanolwith varying doses of the 3-methyl-1-butanol in the cap. The fourthexperiment was a test of possible synergism or enhancement of aceticacid with 3-methyl-1-butanol and acetic acid with 3-methyl-1-pentanoland a comparison of the two alcohols.

[0068] Trap catch data for each species was subjected to an ANOVA andmeans were separated by Duncan's New Multiple Range Test for the firstand fourth experiments. Linear regression was used to analyze trap datafrom the second and third experiments to determine if their was asignificant relationship between concentration (acetic acid) or dose(3-methyl-1-butanol) and captures of moths in traps.

[0069] Results Overview. In the first experiment the increased responseof both sexes of all three species to the combination attractant of theinvention was evident in comparison to acetic acid alone and thesuperiority of the attractant blend in comparison to fermented molassessolution was also apparent. In the second experiment the increasedattractiveness of the blend to L. subjuncta and bertha armyworms incomparison to 3-methyl-1-butanol alone was demonstrated, and in thethird experiment the increased attractiveness of the blend to the sameto species in comparison to acetic acid alone was demonstrated. Thegreater activity of the combination of chemicals versus the individualcomponents was again demonstrated in the fourth experiment as was theincreased attractiveness of the combination of acetic acid and3-methyl-l-pentanol in comparison to acetic acid alone or3-methyl-1-pentanol alone to L. subjuncta and the spotted cutworm.

[0070] Results of Experiment 1 and combined results of Experiments 2 and3 indicate that acetic acid and 3-methyl-1-butanol act synergisticallyas an attractant for these moths that is greatly enhanced relative tothe separate components.

[0071] Throughout the experiments, which lasted throughout the 1998field season and through both generations of both species of moths,these chemicals consistently attracted females as well as males of L.subjuncta, M. configurata (bertha armyworm), and X. c-nigrum (spottedcutworm). Such a lure is useful in tracking reproductive activities suchas female egg laying and may be used to monitor population densities.

[0072] Experiment 1. Traps were baited (1) with 0.25% acetic acid in thedrowning solution, (2) with 0.5% acetic acid in the drowning solutionand one ml of 3-methyl-1-butanol in a polyethylene cap, or (3) with 200ml of a 10% solution of molasses in water. A randomized complete blockdesign was used, with 4 blocks set up in early May. Traps weremaintained through May and June and again in August.

[0073] Results of Experiment 1. In the first experiment, numbers ofmales and numbers of females of Lacanobia subjuncta captured in trapsbaited with acetic acid and 3-methyl-1-butanol were significantlygreater than numbers captured in traps baited with acetic acid or withmolasses (ANOVA F=31.5 for females, 29.1 for males, df=387) (FIG. 1A).There was no difference between catches of male or female L. subjunctacaptured in traps baited with acetic acid versus molasses. Overall, thenumbers of males and females captured were similar for all treatments.Numbers of males and numbers of females of L. subjuncta captured intraps baited with acetic acid and 3-methyl-1-butanol were significantlygreater than numbers captured in traps baited with acetic acid or withmolasses (ANOVA F=31.5 for females, 29.1 for males, df=387) (FIG. 1A).There was no difference between catches of male or female L. subjunctacaptured in traps baited with acetic acid versus molasses. Overall, thenumbers of males and females captured were similar for all treatments.

[0074] Numbers of males and numbers of females of M. configuratacaptured in traps baited with acetic acid and 3-methyl-1-butanol weresignificantly greater than numbers captured in traps baited with aceticacid or with molasses (ANOVA F=19.0 for females, 16.7 for males, df=344)(FIG. 1B). There was no difference between catches of male or female M.configurata captured in traps baited with acetic acid versus molasses.Overall, the numbers of males and females captured were similar for alltreatments.

[0075] Numbers of males and numbers of females of X. c-nigrum capturedin traps baited with acetic acid and 3-methyl-1-butanol weresignificantly greater than numbers captured in traps baited with aceticacid or with molasses (ANOVA F=37.6 for females, 20.4 for males, df=374)(FIG. 1B). There was no difference between catches of female X. c-nigrumcaptured in traps baited with acetic acid versus molasses. However,numbers of male X. c-nigrum in traps baited with molasses weresignificantly higher than numbers captured in traps baited with aceticacid. Overall, the sex ratio captured was near 1:1 for all treatments.

[0076] Experiment 2. Traps were all baited with one ml of3-methyl-1-butanol in a polyethylene cap and with either no acetic acidin the drowning solution or with 0.008, 0.03, 0.125, 0.5, or 2% glacialacetic acid by volume in the 200 ml of drowning solution. A randomizedcomplete block design was used, with 4 blocks set up in late July, witheach of the 6 treatments represented within each block. This experimentwas maintained through August and early September.

[0077] Results of Experiment 2. Numbers of moths captured in traps weresuitable for statistical analyses for L. subjuncta (LS) and berthaarmyworm (M. configurata) (BAW). Spotted cutworms were not abundant inthat study plot. Numbers of L. subjuncta captured in traps baited withthe combination of 3-methyl-1-butanol and acetic acid increasedsignificantly with increasing concentrations of acetic acid over therange tested (up to 2%) (FIG. 2). Numbers of moths captured in trapsbaited with 3-methyl-1-butanol either alone or in combination withacetic acid at a concentration of 0.008% captured nearly no moths.Numbers of bertha armyworms captured in traps baited with thecombination of 3-methyl-1-butanol and acetic acid increased up to the0.125% acetic acid concentration, which had the highest trap catch.Captures of moths were decreased at 0.5 and 2% acetic acid in thedrowning solution (FIG. 2). Nearly no bertha armyworm moths werecaptured in traps baited with 3-methyl-1-butanol alone or in trapsbaited with 3-methyl-1-butanol in combination with acetic acid at aconcentration of 0.008%.

[0078] Experiment 3. Traps were all baited with 0.25% acetic acid in thedrowning solution and either 0, 12.5, 25, 50, or 100% 3-methyl-1-butanolin one ml of a mixture of 3-methyl-1-butanol and mineral oil. Arandomized complete block design was used with each of the 5 treatmentsrepresented within each block. This experiment was set up in late Julyand was maintained through early September.

[0079] Results of Experiment 3. Numbers of moths captured in traps weresuitable for statistical analyses for L. subjuncta (LS) and berthaarmyworm (M. configurata) (BAW). Spotted cutworms were not abundant inthat study plot. Numbers of L. subjuncta and numbers of bertha armywormscaptured in traps baited with the combination of acetic acid and3-methyl-1-butanol did not increase significantly with increasing dosesof 3-methyl-1-butanol in caps (FIG. 3). For both species, numbers ofmoths captured in traps baited with acetic acid and 3-methyl-1-butanolat 12.5, 25, 50, and 100% in the cap were similar. At each dose of3-methyl-1-butanol, numbers of both species of moths in traps weresignificantly greater than numbers in traps baited with acetic acidalone by student's t test.

[0080] Experiment 4. Traps were either unbaited (control) or were baitedwith 0.25% acetic acid in the drowning solution (acetic acid), with0.25% acetic acid in the drowning solution and one ml of3-methyl-1-butanol in a polyethylene cap, with 0.25% acetic acid in thedrowning solution and one ml of 3-methyl-1-pentanol in a polyethylenecap, with one ml of 3-methyl-1-butanol in a cap, or with one ml of3-methyl-1-pentanol in a cap. A randomized complete block design wasused with each of the 6 treatments represented within each block. Thisexperiment was set up in late July and was maintained through the firstof September.

[0081] Results of Experiment 4. Numbers of L. subjuncta (Lacanobia)captured were highest in traps baited either with the combination ofacetic acid and 3-methyl-1-butanol or with the combination of aceticacid and 3-methyl-1-pentanol (FIG. 4), although they were notsignificantly higher than those caught in traps baited with3-methyl-l-pentanol alone. Numbers of L. subjuncta captured in trapsbaited with 3-methyl-1-butanol or with 3-methyl-1-pentanol or withacetic acid alone were similar, and were significantly higher than theunbaited traps.

[0082] Numbers of bertha armyworms (M. configurata) (bertha) capturedwere highest in traps baited with the combination of acetic acid and3-methyl-1-butanol (FIG. 4). Numbers of M. configurata captured in trapsbaited with 3-methyl-1-butanol alone, 3-methyl-1-pentanol alone, aceticacid alone or 3-methyl-1-pentanol with acetic acid were similar, andwere significantly higher than the unbaited traps.

[0083] Numbers of X. c-nigrum captured were highest in traps baitedeither with the combination of acetic acid and 3-methyl-1-butanol orwith the combination of acetic acid and 3-methyl-1-pentanol (FIG. 4).Numbers of X. c-nigrum captured in traps baited with 3-methyl-1-butanolor with 3-methyl-1-pentanol or with acetic acid alone were similar, andwere significantly higher than the unbaited traps.

[0084] It is understood that the foregoing detailed description is givenmerely by way of illustration and that modification and variations maybe made within, without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for attracting male and female noctuidmoths, which comprises placing in an area where moths are to beattracted, a dispenser means which provides (a) an effective attractantamount of vapor of 3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-pentanol or mixturesthereof, or (b) an effective attractant amount of a vapor blend of vaporof (I) acetic acid and vapor of (II) one or more compounds selected fromthe group consisting of 3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-2-butanol, and3-methyl-1-pentanol.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said vapor blendis provided by a dispenser means which contains a mixture of (I) aceticacid and (II) one or more compounds selected from the group consistingof 3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-2-butanol, and 3-methyl-1-pentanol. 3.The method of claim 1 wherein said vapor blend is provided by adispenser means which comprises a first dispenser which contains (I)acetic acid and a second dispenser which contains (II) one or morecompounds selected from the group consisting of 3-methyl-1-butanol,3-methyl-2-butanol, and 3-methyl-1-pentanol, wherein said first andsecond dispensers are in proximity effective to provide said vapor blendof I and II.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein said dispenser meanscontains 3-methylbutyl acetate and said vapor blend comprises vapors ofacetic acid and 3-methyl-1-butanol.
 5. The method of claim 1 whereinsaid acetic acid vapor in said vapor blend is provided by aqueous aceticacid, concentrated acetic acid or ammonium acetate.
 6. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said dispenser means is located within a trapping meansfor moths.
 7. The method of claim 1 which further includes a means forcontrolling moths.
 8. An attractant composition for male and femalenoctuid moths, which comprises (a) vapor of 3-methyl-1-butanol,3-methyl-1-pentanol or mixtures thereof, or (b) a vapor blend of vaporof (I) acetic acid and vapor of (II) one or more compounds selected fromthe group consisting of 3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-2-butanol, and3-methyl-1-pentanol, wherein said composition provides an effectiveattractant amount of said vapor or vapor blend.
 9. The composition ofclaim 8 wherein said vapor of acetic acid is provided by aqueous aceticacid, concentrated acetic acid, or ammonium acetate.
 10. The compositionof claim 8 wherein said vapor blend is generated from a dispenser meanswhich dispenses said vapor or vapor blend.
 11. The composition of claim10 wherein said dispenser means contains a mixture I and II.
 12. Thecomposition of claim 10 wherein said dispenser means comprises a firstdispenser which contains I and a second dispenser which contains II,wherein said first and second dispensers are in sufficient proximity toprovide said vapor blend of I and II.
 13. The composition of claim 10wherein said dispenser means is located within a trapping means formoths.
 14. A lure for attracting male and female noctuid moths whichcomprises a dispenser means which contains a synthetic attractant whichcomprises one or more compounds that provide a vapor compositioncomprising (a) vapor of 3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-pentanol ormixtures thereof, or (b) a blend of vapor of (I) acetic acid and vaporof (II) one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-2-butanol, and 3-methyl-1-pentanol, whereinsaid attractant provides an effective attractant amount of said vapor orvapor blend.
 15. The lure of claim 14 wherein said dispenser meanscontains a mixture of I and II.
 16. The lure of claim 14 wherein saiddispenser means comprises a first dispenser which contains I and asecond dispenser which contains II, wherein said first and seconddispensers are in sufficient proximity to provide said vapor blend of Iand II.
 17. The lure of claim 14 wherein said dispenser contains3-methyl-1-butyl acetate and said vapor blend comprises vapors of aceticacid and 3-methyl-1-butanol.
 18. The lure of claim 14 which furtherincludes a means for controlling moths.
 19. A trapping system formonitoring or controlling male and female noctuid moths, which comprisesa trapping means, and a dispenser means located within said trappingmeans which provides an effective attractant amount of (a) vapor of3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-pentanol or mixtures thereof, or (b) avapor blend of vapor of (1) acetic acid and vapor of (II)3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-2-butanol, and 3-methyl-1-pentanol.
 20. Thetrapping system of claim 19 wherein said dispenser means contains amixture of I and II.
 21. The trapping system of claim 19 wherein saiddispenser means comprises a first dispenser which contains I and asecond dispenser which contains II, and wherein said first and seconddispensers provide said vapor blend of I and II.
 22. The trapping systemof claim 19 wherein said dispenser means contains 2-methylpropyl acetateand said vapor blend comprises vapors of acetic acid and isobutanol. 23.A kit for attracting male and female noctuid moths, which comprises atleast two components, wherein one component is acetic acid and anothercomponent is one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-2-butanol, and 3-methyl-1-pentanol.